Top Novels:Great Beginnings From Famous Novels

NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR: GEORGE ORWELL

 

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors of Victory Mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with him."

Citizens are on military time and Winston's inability to outrun the swirl of gritty dust suggests Victory Mansions probably isn't as appealing as it sounds. This is confirmed shortly when we're told that "the hallway smelt of boiled cabbage and old rag mats." We will soon be introduced to some of the most memorable ideas in fiction such as Thought Police, Doublethink, and BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU. It's a society where the protagonist, Winston Smith, isn't even sure what year it is and any deviation from government sanctioned orthodoxy will get a person "vaporized." Our interest is immediately captured as we wonder if Winston can fight this oppressive system and find allies to help him.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: JANE AUSTEN

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

The reader is aware that this "truth" isn't universally acknowledged. The dramatic irony is felt throughout this entertaining comedy of manners. Full of interesting characters and witty dialogue, this novel is one of the all-time greatest.

MOBY DICK: HERMAN MELVILLE

"Call me Ishmael."

Not, "My name is Ishmael." What is his real name? Why doesn't he tell us? The pseudonym makes us think of the Biblical Ishmael, Abraham's son, who was exiled. Is the narrator an outcast or is he isolated?

This opening is perfectly concise. No words can be cut. It can't be rewritten in fewer words. It is rare to read a sentence that packs more meaning into three words.

METAMORPHOSIS: FRANZ KAFKA

"When Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from troubled dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a monstrous insect."

No explanation. It's difficult not to read on after this. We continue with a sense of uncertainty and curiosity to find out what Gregor is going to do with this surprise.

ANNA KARENINA: LEO TOLSTOY

"All happy families resemble one another, but each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

The unhappy families are more interesting and Tolstoy wastes no time getting into the drama of the story. The next few sentences tell us that everything was upset in the Oblonsky household because Stephen's wife caught him cheating with their governess.

One of the most recognizable first lines in literature begins a novel that addresses death, the contradictions in life, and the many small pleasures that keep us going.

Of course this is just a small sample of great novels and great beginnings. Please comment on some of your favorites.